Honorable mentions, in random order:
Hugh's sensitive portrait:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/171577337/medium.jpg)
Perfect capture of a street-performing parrot with a macro lens by Jola D.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/124925752/medium.jpg)
This is one ugly animal, nicely rendered by Walter K.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/173432711/medium.jpg)
Interesting juxtaposition from Jarek M.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/171932581/medium.jpg)
I like the darkness and shadow in this unusual shot from Jeff B.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/160223309/medium.jpg)
Nothing wrong with a goofy bird shot to keep us entertained, from Paul D.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/36157694/medium.jpg)
Though I was mainly looking for close-ups, the scene here is so lovely it deserves an HM, from Arnie P.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/170498111/medium.jpg)
Lovely composition from Robin L.:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/80796287/medium.jpg)
Winners...
Third place: Jeff B.'s stern owl:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/172225171/medium.jpg)
Second place: This little fellow from Walter K. is just amazing, I love the curls and the nice bokeh:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/162249196/medium.jpg)
First place: I kept coming back to this soft waxwing, so nicely captured by Allen Hart:
![Image](https://pbase.com/image/113054230/medium.jpg)
Congratulations Allen, it's up to you next!